Imaging

The approach to investigations must always focus on making an accurate diagnosis, planning management and / or monitoring of disease.

It is important to plan investigations to gain the most information, minimise radiation exposure and need for sedation.

• Radiographs or Computerised Tomography (CT) or Radionuclide Bone Scans result in radiation exposure.
• Ultrasound scanning is increasingly used, with the benefits of no radiation exposure or sedation being required. However, it is operator-dependent. 
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging may require sedation, but also has the benefit of no radiation. (There can however be some risk in the use of gadolinium contrast if that is required).
• Densitometry is used to assess bone density. 
• Echocardiography to assess for evidence of rheumatic heart disease, valvular lesions, aneurysms, or myopathy.